FHC is not bitter...oh no !!!

Dear Sarah at Zipcar,

I must indeed be really distracted these days, maybe in love or eventually on drugs.

I was planning actually to rent the Miata Convertible from 12 pm to 2:30 pm on Sunday (the time period during which I actually used it) and instead rent it online from 12 am to 2:30 pm resulting in a charge of $ 64.90. You see as a foreigner I never really grasped the am/pm thing and ends up mostly using midnight instead of 12 am (I am a slow learner).

I also understand from your e-mail that I left the door open after using the car ( I googled ajar(p): slightly open; "the door was ajar") which resulted in someone getting in and turning the headlights (I prefer to think I did not do so myself as I drove in complete daylight). As a consequence the battery was dead and fleet staff had to visit the car and jumpstart it which resulted in an additional $50 penalty (you call it a service fee but deep down inside I KNOW this is to punish me). I understand this is completely my fault and keep blaming myself: I probably just did not get the electronic key thing.

If you add the $50 charge fee to the $64.90, my 2:30 car rental experience cost me $114.90 for 2:30 hours = $45.96/hour. I looked on Hertz.com this morning to see how much renting a car for the Week-end would have cost me and might have cried a little.

I am doing my best not to be bitter, be a good sport and stay focused on improving my performance next time, but I believe that renting a Zipcar is definitely something for people who have a steeper learning curve than mine. I joined on November 2nd, drove a total of 7:30 minutes since then and already spent $253.50 ($33.80/hour).

I thought I'd share my pain with you. The tears may be dried up, the heart never.

I am in such a lonely place today Sarah at Zipcar !

Tristan

From Sarah Wagner <[email protected]>

12/05/2005 04:53 PM

To: [email protected]

Re:  Zipcar reservation on December 4

            

Dear Tristan,

After your reservation on Miata Marley on December 4, the battery was found to be dead in the vehicle due to the headlights being left on.  In additon, the door was found ajar.

A $50 service fee has been added to your account because our fleet staff had to visit the car and jumpstart it.  Please remember to remove the key from the ignition, turn off all electronics, and  make sure all doors are secure at the end of your reservation. 

Please visit our help site for more information

Regards,

Sarah Wagner

zipcar

Comments

[Damien]

Well, at least they have a "help site" for those who only have a gradual learning curve. I suggest you visit for more information.

[FHC himself...yes...yes]

I suggest you don't push me over the edge Damien. I will go on an overdue kill rampage.